Freelancers and small agencies deal with a range of non-design and coding issues. We become the first person our clients contact when they have a question. It happens – even when we aren’t directly involved with the subject matter.

• “I just received this message from Google. What does it mean?“
• “Why can’t I receive email from my website?“
• “My website was hacked. Help!“

Yes, we are the catch-all technical support representatives. No matter the problem, web designers are the solution. That’s what some clients think, at least.

We’re often the link between clients and technology. And perhaps we shouldn’t try to tackle every problem. But it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on a few non-design technologies.

With that in mind, here are a few areas that web designers should study. You know, just in case.

SEO & Site Indexing Basics

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a niche unto itself. Some professionals specialize in making sure websites are indexed and rank well.

That doesn’t stop clients from asking their web designer, though. Site owners want to rank highly in Google search results. And they are often in the dark about how to do it.

To that end, it’s worth learning the basics of SEO. Even if the subject makes your skin crawl.

You’ll be able to explain the hows and whys to clients. That will help them make more informed decisions about content. They may decide to jump in feet first with an SEO professional.

Clients will ask you about SEO. A little background knowledge makes you look smart!

SEO Resources

• Advanced Technical SEO: A Complete Guide by Search Engine Journal
• It’s Time to Get Back to the Basics of SEO by Eric Karkovack
• SEO Basics by Yoast
• The Beginner’s Guide to SEO by Moz

DNS & Email Delivery

Launching or moving a website often includes changing a domain’s DNS settings. These settings ensure that the site directs users to the right place.

DNS is much more than that, though. There are also settings for configuring email as well. That has become a hot topic these days.

Email providers are increasingly requiring domain owners to verify their properties. Domains without DKIM, DMARC, or SPF records may have email delivery issues. For example, Gmail blocks email from unauthenticated domains.

What does this have to do with web design? Well, websites with contact forms can fall victim to these issues. The same goes for eCommerce websites. An unauthenticated domain means clients and users will miss these emails.

Now is the time to learn how DNS works. You’ll want to pay special attention to email. Clients without an IT department may need your help ensuring smooth email delivery.

DNS & Email Resources

• About SPF records by Google Workspace
• What is a DNS DKIM record? by Cloudflare
• What Is DMARC? by Proofpoint
• What is Email Deliverability? Best Tips & Practices by Lindsay Kolowich Cox

Security for Websites and Beyond

We live in an age of online insecurity. Malicious actors don’t take a minute off. Instead, they continue to wreak havoc.

Sure, we talk about web security quite a bit. And we try our best to build a virtual mote around websites. But websites are still being compromised.

We’re learning that security goes deeper than installing updates or tweaking .htaccess files. The fitness of a user’s device also plays a role.

Stolen session cookies are a prime example. Hackers can grab them off of a compromised device. A “bulletproof” website is no match for a phone with an info stealer installed. They can waltz right in and do whatever they want.

Understanding how device security impacts the web is crucial. It’s something that can benefit us and our clients. After all, a single weak link can break the chain.

Website Security Resources

• 5 Things to Tell Your Clients About WordPress Security by Eric Karkovack
• How to Scan WordPress for Malware in 4 Easy Steps by Jeremy Holcombe
• Introduction to WordPress Security by Wordfence
• Security on the Web by MDN
• Seven Important Security Headers for Your Website by Jeff Starr

Command Line Tools

Some of us cringe at the mere thought of using a command line tool. Hasn’t that stuff gone the way of the dinosaur?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Command line tools like WordPress CLI remain popular. Why is that? It’s all about power and efficiency.

The command line doesn’t have the overhead of a graphical user interface (GUI). Thus, it handles bulk operations faster. For example, you can perform a search-and-replace operation on a database more quickly.

You can also do a lot of behind-the-scenes work with your web server. The command line may be the only way to run specific tasks.

It’s worth brushing up on command-line operations. They are a huge time saver in the right circumstances.

Command Line Resources

• Linux Commands Cheat Sheet by Linux Training Academy
• Master the Linux ‘SSH’ Command: A Comprehensive Guide by Peter Hou
• The Linux command line for beginners by Ubuntu
• WordPress CLI Handbook by WordPress

Become a More Well-Rounded Web Designer

The skills above are all adjacent to web design. And the need for this knowledge is growing.

Perhaps that has always been the case with SEO. Meanwhile, security and DNS seem to be just about mandatory these days.

Working with clients means you inevitably will face questions about these subjects. Freelancers and small agencies don’t always have an expert within reach. So, it’s up to us to find answers.

The command line is more about adding another tool to your toolbox. The improved efficiency will benefit you. And the result is better service for your clients.

Web designers tend to be specialists. We focus on the front-end or back-end. But the more we know, the more well-rounded we become.

It’s one way to stay on the cutting edge of the industry for years to come.

The post Those Non-Design Technologies Web Designers Need to Know appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

All jokes aside, client needs won’t always sync with your schedule. And we’ll guess that you don’t want to answer panicked emails during dinner. So, what’s the solution?

Providing clients with resources can help. You can create content that can be accessed whenever they have a question. It’s handy and saves everyone time.

Clients will also learn to help themselves. They’ll feel more confident when working with their website.

Does that sound like paradise? Keep reading for ideas on helping clients – even when you’re not around.

Help Clients Resolve Common Issues

Do you find yourself answering the same questions again and again? That’s because clients often run into similar roadblocks.

You may notice this when building multiple websites with the same content management system (CMS). Or when using the same themes and plugins. Patterns emerge. You’ll discover the pain points clients face.

It’s worth keeping track of these issues. From there, you can write documentation that clients can reference.

You can start small. Even a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page can do the trick. That’s fine if demand is low and the questions are simple.

If your needs change, you might consider building a dedicated support site. For example, a knowledgebase that lets clients browse various topics. It’s something you can add to as needed.

Hint: Be sure to use a system that is easy to maintain. That way, you’ll be more likely to keep your documentation updated.

Use Video to Demonstrate Tasks

Video is a powerful tool. A well-made presentation can take the guesswork out of a tutorial. Users can see exactly how to perform a given task.

Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to create video tutorials. A wide range of tools are available. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

At a minimum, you’ll need a microphone and a screen capture app. That will allow you to narrate as you perform tasks on the screen. You’re all set if your device already has a microphone. And there are free screen capture apps available.

What about quality? Well, it depends on your audience. You certainly don’t need a pro-level production for a quick tutorial. You should be fine as long as the audio and video are clear.

You may want to kick things up a notch if you plan to make them publicly available. Anything you want to promote should look professional. In that case, you might want to invest in attractive video templates.

Otherwise, a 30-second video can often outshine a text-based tutorial. Clients will appreciate your effort and likely learn more in the process.

The Potential of AI in Customer Support

Companies are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into all sorts of tools. Customer support is no exception. So, how does that impact web designers?

We’re already seeing AI deployed in chatbot applications. That allows users to ask questions in plain language. The bot provides an answer.

That part isn’t new. Similar tools have been around for years. However, they haven’t always been very accurate. The user experience has also been less-than-stellar.

AI has the potential to produce better results. A model trained on your documentation could give more accurate answers. It might transform a chatbot from a dreaded interaction to a positive one.

It’s worth noting that these solutions depend on the quality of your documentation. The more thorough your content, the higher the quality of the results.

We might also use AI within a CMS like WordPress. The tool could provide support based on what the user is doing. Users could resolve issues without having to leave their site. It might be a game-changer.

We’re in the early days of AI. Thus, it will be interesting to see how it evolves regarding support.

Add an Extra Hand to Better Serve Clients

Modern websites can do more than ever. And client expectations have increased as well. That means more support requests.

The reality is that we can’t be there to respond at all hours of the day. So, providing helpful resources is one way to resolve common issues.

The self-serve ideas above could reduce the time you spend helping clients. That’s time you can dedicate to more profitable areas of your business.

You’ll also avoid the stress of dealing with these issues after hours. An extra evening or two of relaxation is worth the investment.

Take time to review your support workflow. Then, create content to help clients help themselves. You’ll be glad you did!

The post How to Help Your Web Design Clients Without Being There appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

An experienced web designer knows better. A site launch is just the beginning. Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress are a case in point. A steady stream of updates keeps us on our toes.

It’s one reason why I believe a professional should manage WordPress sites. Even the tiniest of websites have significant maintenance needs.

Still, clients don’t always understand the stakes or the costs involved. Until something goes wrong, that is. But let’s not go that far.

The key to avoiding problems starts with education. Teaching clients the hows and whys of WordPress maintenance can do the trick. With that, here are some points worth driving home in your discussions.

Website Maintenance Is an Investment

There are two types of website investments. The first is the cost of the initial design and build. It covers everything from the idea phase to the site launch. That’s the big, expensive part.

The second comes after the site goes out into the world. It ensures both content and software are current. Clients can get tripped up by this one.

What clients may not understand is that websites require care – regardless of whether the content changes. They’re viewing the phrase “website updates” through a different lens.

How do we change their perspective? You could compare website maintenance to that of a car.

Cars need regular care to keep things running smoothly. Doing so prevents problems down the road. It’s an investment in safety and stability.

Websites need the same kind of investment. The goal is to keep it in tip-top shape – and avoid common pitfalls.

WordPress sees frequent updates to plugins, themes, and the core software. Together, they improve the overall security and performance of a website. It’s too important to ignore.

Standards and Best Practices Change

The web’s standards and best practices are subject to change. So, that shiny website from a few years ago is now behind the times.

We’ll see this in several areas of a typical WordPress site. Accessibility is a big one. An older WordPress theme may not be up to the current standard. Old or abandoned plugins might also lack accessible features.

Server technology also marches on. A website may run on an outdated version of PHP, for instance. That means you’re missing out on better performance and security.

These issues go beyond a website’s aesthetics. They are fundamental to things like usability and legal compliance. The more you fall behind, the greater the risk.

Resolving these issues requires time and money. We’ll need to review the website and determine what needs to be changed or fixed. From there, it’s time to perform the necessary tasks.

Clients may have a hard time grasping this concept. They can’t always see the need for such changes. Nor can they always measure the results.

However, it’s one of the costs of website ownership. Think of it this way: Brick-and-mortar locations must keep up with building codes. Websites need to do the same.

Vigilance Is an Important Part of the Plan

Website maintenance is not a once-per-year type of task. It’s an ongoing commitment. WordPress releases a new major version every few months. Plugin and theme updates can drop at any time.

Each update opens the door to potential change. For example, a plugin update might require a new version of PHP. You might also need to update any custom code.

Security is also a key factor. New vulnerabilities pop up frequently. They require us to act quickly. Otherwise, we increase the risk of a compromised site.

Vigilance is important. It comes at a cost, though. Web designers need to keep a watchful eye. That means a combination of manual intervention and automated tools.

These acts won’t guarantee a problem-free experience. But they can prevent a small problem from becoming a major one.

That peace of mind is worth the price – particularly for clients who depend on their website for sales. A broken or hacked eCommerce site could spell disaster.

A Well-Maintained Website Benefits All

In a nutshell, everyone benefits from a well-maintained website. Web designers can use it as a vehicle for recurring revenue. Users are less likely to encounter problems. And that should make website owners happy!

The other side effect is taking advantage of new features. WordPress is continually refining its core. The same goes for its theme and plugin ecosystem.

It’s an opportunity to do more online. Features that enhance performance, accessibility, or ease of use can mean more sales. That’s one way to increase the chances of customer loyalty.

Make an effort to discuss WordPress maintenance with your clients. Help guide them on the importance of staying on the cutting edge.

They’ll be more likely to commit once they learn the hows and whys. And they’ll be better prepared to adapt to the web’s ever-changing landscape.

The post How to Explain WordPress Maintenance to Clients in Simple Terms appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

You make all the decisions. So, who’s to blame when something goes wrong? Just take a look in the mirror.

That’s OK. None of us are perfect. And I’m right there with you. I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my quarter-century as a freelance web designer.

Mistakes are learning opportunities. But it’s better to learn from someone who’s already made them. They can save you from repeating history.

That’s why I’m here! With that, here are the biggest mistakes freelance web designers typically make. I’ve been there and done them all. Read on to learn how you can avoid them.

Working without Contracts and Other Legal Protections

We may want to believe that everyone is honest. We hope our clients will behave rationally. That’s not always the case.

A bad experience with a client can be frustrating. It might also be devastating – depending on the severity. Make sure the law has you covered.

First, always work with a contract in place. Spell out the terms of each project. Both parties will know their responsibilities and the agreed-upon compensation.

That way, there’ll be no excuses if a client fails to hold up their end of the bargain. You’ll be protected against non-payment or other shenanigans.

It’s also important to consider your business structure. Yes, even solo freelancers need to think about this. Some configurations can reduce your risk.

For example, an LLC (limited liability company) can separate your business and personal assets. That’s a big deal if you get sued.

Oh, and we can’t forget about business insurance. It protects against all manner of issues – including cybercrime.

Be proactive when it comes to your business. You might save yourself from a nightmare or two.

Trusting the Wrong Products and Services

Every product and service we use requires a leap of faith. We have to trust that they’ll work as advertised. And that they’ll increase efficiency – rather than hinder it.

Experimenting with products is fun and educational. It may lead us to improve our skills and earning potential.

But freelancers too often do so with their client work. For example, using an unproven content management system (CMS). Or a web host you don’t know much about.

The potential rewards aren’t worth the risks. What happens if the experiment doesn’t work? Your client relationships could be strained – or worse. Plus, you’ll be left to clean up a mess.

For some clients, this approach makes sense. They may need a feature that no one else offers. However, that is the exception to the rule.

Use trusted tools for client work. Your reputation (and theirs) are on the line, after all.

Booking Clients Despite Their Red Flags

Not all clients are worthy of your time. Some turn out to be troublesome – and there are usually warning signs.

There are a multitude of red flags to look for. Clients that are rude or dismissive are unlikely to be satisfied. They don’t respect your effort or talent.

Then you have people who mention the other designers they’ve worked with. Ask yourself why those relationships crumbled. There must be a reason.

Worse still are the penny-pinchers that question every dollar. You often find that they’re also the most demanding. They expect Amazon-type features on a shoestring budget.

Perhaps the worst are those with anger issues. They may not snap at you, specifically. But you’ll hear it when the conversation shifts to their last designer. Or a former employee. Or the barista at the coffee shop you’re meeting in. Let there be no doubt that you’ll be a target if you stick around.

The potential to make a few dollars isn’t worth the risk. Working with these sorts of clients will eventually come back to haunt you. It can take years to recover from the experience.

Pay attention to the warning signs. Follow your gut and not your desire for a paycheck. You’ll be better off without them!

Allowing Their Skills to Stagnate

The web is constantly changing. Your portfolio serves as proof. Look at a website you built five years ago and compare it to today. You might be surprised at the differences in design and tech.

More than ever, clients are aware of these shifts. They’re asking for modern looks and features. They’re more in tune with what a website should do.

Web designers must change along with the times. That’s not to say you should abandon tried and true methods. However, you may have to apply them in different ways.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the elephant in the room. It’s already impacting the way we do our job. Therefore, it’s worth experimenting with these tools now to prepare.

There have also been changes in CSS, JavaScript, performance, and accessibility. Plus, all of the challenges presented by web security.

AI may be an asset in these areas. But it makes sense to keep learning the “old-fashioned” way. That will keep your skills relevant for now and in the future.

Continuing to Offer Low-Profit Services

The business decisions you make today have a lasting impact. You’ll see it in the projects you book and the services you offer.

Sometimes that impact is negative. A poor client may be easy to separate from. However, an unprofitable service is more difficult to get past.

Let’s say you want to offer a new service to clients: email list management. You think it will provide some extra revenue with minimal effort. Sounds like a winner, right?

Perhaps things go well early on. A few clients sign up for the service. You’re not making much profit, but things aren’t out of hand.

Now, fast-forward to five years from now. You have a mountain of web projects to complete. And these email lists are taking up too much of your time. You’re stuck working on a low-profit venture while ignoring the real money maker.

Untangling from this mess could take a while. You might have clients under long-term contracts. And an affiliate deal with a provider. You may also need to refer clients to a new list manager.

The point is to be careful about the services you offer. What sounds like a good idea today could become a mess tomorrow.

Mistakes Are Part of Freelancing. Learn from Them.

The longer you’re a freelancer, the more mistakes you’ll make. It’s all part of the journey.

The key is to learn from them. That will teach you to think more carefully about future decisions. I can attest to that part. I’m more deliberate about how I approach my business these days.

Yes, I still make the occasional wrong choice. But I’ve made a lot of progress. And I’ve gotten better at identifying mistakes before they become too big.

You can do the same! Think about your experiences. Read about what others have done. Apply those lessons to create a better future for your business.

The post Here Are the Biggest Mistakes Freelance Web Designers Make appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

A client may be pleased with themselves and happy to get their own way. But at what cost? The ensuing results aren’t always pretty. Crowded layouts, inaccessible design elements, and a general sloppiness can seriously harm the user experience (UX).

For example, consider a client who meddles in the design details of their eCommerce website. Leaving UX decisions regarding product layouts, calls-to-action, and hero areas to a non-designer could be disastrous for sales. And yet, any potential fallout may land squarely on your shoulders. Fair? I think not.

Therefore, it’s up to us to prevent such silliness from happening in the first place. Let’s explore some ways to keep clients at a safe distance from UX.

Define the Stakes

User experience is a critical factor for every website. Yet, clients aren’t always fully aware of what’s at stake. As is often the case, it’s up to web designers to provide some background.

It’s worth taking the time to talk about the importance of accessibility and ease of use. How the design of each element within a page needs to be measured against these factors. Oh, and the massive roles that performance and mobile compatibility play as well.

Then there’s the matter of personal preference. Clients often (and unwittingly) put their own opinions above the needs of the average user. Sometimes, implementing their preference is a detriment to everyone else.

The importance of UX and its contributing factors should be brought up from the very start. When clients are informed, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead.

Welcome Feedback, but Set Boundaries

How does a client go from providing useful feedback to taking over a designer’s job? It’s often subtle and can happen quicker than you think.

To be sure, some people insist on having control of a given situation. They may be just as likely to stand over the plumber fixing their leaky pipes as they are to pester a web designer.

In other cases, the mere fact that a client is paying good money for your services gives them a certain sense of entitlement. And although they may be well-meaning, it can lead to overstepping boundaries.

The dilemma is that getting a client’s feedback is necessary for a successful outcome. But it can also be fertile ground for such a takeover. So, how do you prevent it from happening?

The key is in setting clear guidelines. For example, defining goals for a particular item and asking for feedback based on those parameters.

Consider the hero area of a home page. Let’s say you’ve built something beautiful and need client approval. You might approach them by saying something like:

“I’ve set up the hero area, please take a look! Here is what we were hoping to achieve:

• Introduce branding elements, including the logo, colors and fonts;
• Encourage users to subscribe to the mailing list;
• Mention the 20% off discount for new subscribers;
• Keep the entire area accessible, easy-to-read and concise;

What do you think?”

The example above isn’t all-encompassing. But it puts the stated goals into a client’s mind. This helps you to narrow the scope of their feedback and (hopefully) avoid anything that distracts from the desired outcome.

Put UX Back Into the Hands of Experts

Don’t get me wrong – clients should absolutely be involved in the design process. It’s their brand, after all. And things usually turn out best with their input.

But the heavy lifting of UX should be done by experts like you. Your job is to turn a client’s vision into something that is highly usable. It’s about establishing a brand while helping users get to where they want to go.

If all goes well, they’ll take the path to conversion – whether that means sales, contact, or a subscription. That’s simply too important to leave to client whims.

Instead, educate and work with your clients in an effort to drive home UX best practices. Provide them with parameters to work within. The result will be a website that benefits its owner and users alike.

The post How to Stop Design Clients Making Too Many UX Decisions appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Portfolios can be a terrific sales tool. A good one can show potential clients that you have the talent and experience to get the job done.

It also provides a way to target the kinds of projects you want to work on. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider what should be included and what to leave out.

Today, we’ll reveal the five types of projects that are probably better off in your virtual scrap heap.

The post The Five Types of Projects NOT to Include in Your Portfolio appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Sometimes you can make a bad client into a passable one, but, unless you’re getting compensated extremely well, it’s rarely worth the effort.

An unreasonable, demanding, emotionally disturbed client already has those qualities before you even meet them. It’s not personal – they’d most likely be that way with any designer.

If you want to have a challenging yet rewarding, insanity-free working relationship, you must start with a good client.

Fair enough, you say. But how am I supposed to tell which clients are good and which ones aren’t before I work with them?

In my experience, there’s an easy way to determine which clients are worth the trouble and which ones you should just skip over, and it has to do with their budget. Not the specific amount, per se, but their attitude towards budgeting in general.

There’s a profoundly important difference between a reasonable client who doesn’t have much of a budget, and a client who’s just, well, cheap.

The former you should, by all means, seek out and work with – the little guys need good design too! Clients who can’t pay you what you feel your standard rate should be can usually help you out in other ways that will lead to much more lucrative opportunities later. Let me explain what I mean.

Something For Nothing

When working for less than your standard rate (and again, there’s nothing wrong with that, especially in today’s economy), you should always negotiate for something else in exchange for your “discount.”

And you should treat it like a discount. Your client is receiving your services at a lower rate, and they need to be aware that, as such, there are certain deliverables that won’t be available to them.

If your client can’t pay the initial price you quote them for the work, the second price must carry a reduced amount of work. The initial price you quoted them has value in the client’s mind.

If you are willing to “bend” on that price – if you, say, do a job worth several thousand dollars for a few hundred – what happens is that you reduce your perceived value to the client. The client will know then that you weren’t serious about your standard rate, and they may try to take advantage of you and get more work for even less money.

Always be firm about how much you cost. When clients know that you value your work and don’t compromise your own worth by wavering on your prices, they will value your work as well. Just as you wouldn’t expect to get an oil change and new brakes for the price of a car wash, your potential clients must know that there is a limit to how much service you can provide on a budget.

If a client is worth working for, they’ll accept that your higher-priced services are out of their range, and will be willing to discuss other, non-monetary options as part of your compensation. What kind of options? Well, I’ll tell you.

If you’re dealing with a reasonable client, you’ll be able to negotiate for three main forms of non-monetary compensation. You can negotiate for just one, or all three, but using this technique will help you quickly weed out those clients who don’t value you or your work.

The three main elements that can be included in your compensation are:

1. Referrals

Not “exposure” – that’s a vague word which can mean almost anything. But actual, genuine referrals from your client personally to people who can and will hire you. A list of warm leads directly from a paying client is worth its weight in gold, and can sometimes be more valuable than a single paying job.

It’s not too much to ask, and if you’ve got a good client, they should be more than happy to provide at least a few. If not, run far away. That client is not worth the trouble because they aren’t going to get any more reasonable.

If someone can’t be bothered to come up with two or three referrals among their friends or colleagues, what makes you think they’re going to trust your design decisions or resist unnecessary scope creep?

2. Creative Freedom

You can and should use your lack of financial compensation as leverage to secure more creative freedom on a project than you would have otherwise.

This doesn’t mean go berserk with the composition or give them something completely inappropriate. But a client who’s receiving a discounted form of your services can absolutely be expected to hand you the reins and allow you the freedom to make the decisions you feel are best for the project.

3. A Guarantee of Future Paid Work

Whether it’s at your current rate or at a more standard one, your client can offer to provide you with more work in lieu of more money upfront.

Perhaps something more challenging that has a bigger budget, or something recurring that you can deliver on a regular basis. Be creative, and think of all the ways you can provide value to your client.

A good, satisfied client will be happy to give you first priority for future work, if you let them know that you would like it to be part of your compensation. Again, this is not too much to ask for, and any client who thinks it is is a bad client. Period. Runaway.

Never Slave Away for Peanuts

Always make sure to discuss these options with your clients to make sure you’re never just slaving away for peanuts. It goes without saying that, if you expect to receive these kinds of extras, you should do your very best work and provide as much value to your client as possible for the price they’re paying.

No client is going to refer a bad designer to their friends, nor should they be expected to. But if you’re awesome, and you do awesome work, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t expect to be fairly compensated, even if the client is on a budget.

I think that the most important thing a designer can learn is how to be discerning, and how exactly to go about negotiating extras.

There’s an art to it, which many designers, sadly, have not yet mastered. The key is to project confidence and subtly make your clients aware that you have other options without coming off as arrogant, rude, or condescending.

By gently but firmly negotiating extras in your compensation package, you’ll make even the most budget-conscious clients respect you and desire to work with someone of your performance level.

And the “cheap” clients who won’t budge? Leave ’em – they’re impossible conversions!

The post How to Work With Both Good & Bad Design Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Yet, it’s not always viewed that way. Some clients will nickel and dime their way through a project, not wanting to spend the funds required to accomplish their goals.

Even worse is when an organization has a website with outstanding potential, but lets it languish. The site’s content and underlying software age out, while previous momentum is lost. It happens again and again, company after company.

You may ask, what is it that these clients are missing? It may just be the most important thing they need to know.

A Website Is Not a One-Off Purchase

As a young designer, I used to look forward to finishing off a project as if I’d never have to deal with it again. The website, as far as I was concerned, was “done”. Experience has shown me how wrong I was.

In order to stay relevant, websites need to continually evolve. Content must change to reflect what a business is currently doing – not what they did when the site was first built. Technology needs to be upgraded in order to improve functionality and the user experience.

This applies to virtually every type of website. Although, a case can be made that it’s more of a life-or-death situation for an eCommerce or community-based site than the standard five-page brochure variety.

But so often, clients don’t seem to see their websites as an ever-evolving product. Instead, they view it as something they buy once and use forever. And while there may be some relatively small maintenance and hosting fees, it’s a matter of merely keeping things running smoothly. Growth isn’t necessarily considered.

They’re missing the bigger picture.

How Designers Can Help to Inform and Change Attitudes

Part of the issue may stem from how we as web designers communicate. In my own case, I’ve tended to focus on the task at hand when building a website.

First, it’s all about getting the project requirements. Then it’s on to guiding clients through the design and build processes. These are often major challenges that require a lot of attention in order to get things right.

All of this means that talk of the future can get lost in the shuffle. We may not really discuss the need for evolving content and technology until we’re faced with an issue.

For clients, it’s easy to see why this could bring about a misunderstanding. They’re seeing a website that they’ve invested in that, for one reason or another, isn’t keeping up with the times. It might be content, design or functionality-related – or any combination thereof.

This can lead to confusion. Why is the website now outdated? Shouldn’t it be built to last? These are things web designers may inherently understand, but aren’t necessarily obvious to clients.

Part of our job is to educate our clients on the realities of having a website. To stay relevant, a website requires more than just routine maintenance. There has to be both an understanding of and strategy to keep things fresh and vital.

Keeping It Real

So, what should our clients know about owning a website? Here are a few concepts that will help them better understand what comes along with the territory.

Software and Code Must Be Maintained

Much of what we build these days relies on third-party software. For example, utilizing a CMS and plugins are a very common practice. We might also include a lot of our own custom code as well.

All of these items require updates. It might be a matter of updating your WordPress installation as usual. However, it may also go well beyond that level of maintenance.

Changes to programming languages such as PHP may require rewriting significant portions of code to stay functional. That comes with a cost of both time and money.

And speaking of money, any commercial software licenses also need to be kept up. Letting them lapse could lead to future problems.

Sometimes, a Change Is Needed

The software that seemed like a perfect fit in the beginning may not last. In the case of third-party apps, they might disappear into thin air without notice. That means finding a suitable alternative and making a switch.

A website that uses a CMS and is more than a year old will probably experience this scenario. A theme or plugin breaks, and updates are nowhere to be found. All of the sudden, you’re back to the drawing board.

It’s frustrating for everyone involved. But it’s also out of our control. While we may try to build with tools we think will be around for the long haul, there’s no guarantee. Clients will need to understand that reality.

The Web Moves Quickly

It’s probably safe to assume that most people know that technology evolves at break-neck speed. Anyone who has purchased an expensive smartphone has probably figured that out, as it becomes outdated mere months after release.

Websites aren’t much different. Just think of how your favorite CMS might have changed within the last six months to a year. Then think about how it has evolved in the past five years. The differences are likely very noticeable.

As such, user tastes and expectations change right along with technology. Thus, an organization must be ready to adapt as needed.

Helping Clients to Stay Informed

In the end, this is one more reason why the designer-client relationship is so important. Our experience and knowledge of the industry is something that needs to be shared with those we work with.

If we can better prepare clients for the responsibilities that go along with owning a website, we can tackle these challenges together.

The post The Most Important Thing Your Clients Should Know About Their Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

One recent debate involves the WordPress Site Editor. The feature allows us to design and build an entire website within the browser.

Some find this to be a great leap forward. But others are concerned that it gives site owners too much control. They worry that there aren’t enough protections to keep a client from accidentally breaking the layout. I believe that there are valid points on each side.

But this discussion also got me thinking about how we train clients. Is the Site Editor (or any tool, for that matter) relevant to them? Do they need to know every aspect of how their website works? And where do we draw the line about what’s important?

Let’s explore the challenges in educating clients about their websites. Along the way, I’ll share my thoughts on why knowing it all isn’t all that great.

The Risk of Overwhelming Your Clients

Modern websites are becoming more complex. And it’s not just the high-end enterprise variety. Even an old-school “brochure” site can have several moving parts.

We can thank the proliferation of content management systems (CMS) for that. These apps allow for greater flexibility. But that also means more code. Themes, plugins, and custom creations each add another layer to the mix.

This makes educating clients more challenging. Limited time and resources may force us to leave out certain items. Thus, we can’t easily provide a complete explanation of every feature.

Perhaps this sounds like bad news. But that’s not necessarily the case. By focusing on the essentials, we’re helping clients understand what’s most relevant.

Take automobiles, for example. Cars come with all manner of complex systems. But do we know how each one works? To do so, we might have to spend weeks (or months) in a specialized course. And our heads would likely be swimming in superfluous facts and figures.

If the goal is to empower clients to perform specific tasks, it’s OK to skip past the things that don’t impact them.

What’s Important? Look at a Client’s Workflow

The areas of focus for client training aren’t always obvious. Some tasks, like logging in, are universal. But there will also be unique aspects as well.

Much depends on what your client wants to accomplish. Maybe they will be publishing articles or regularly adding events to a calendar. They might focus on processing eCommerce orders.

This information is vital. It helps guide us in how to effectively implement features. And it also gives us an idea of a client’s workflow. From there, we can design a training program that fits their needs.

It starts with the initial conversations you have with them. As you learn the project’s details, you’ll be able to ask questions about how they plan to interact with their site.

In addition, you’ll also have an idea of what can safely be left out. For instance, consider a client who won’t need to touch their home page layout. There’s no reason to spend precious time demonstrating a feature they won’t use.

Are Some Features Better Left Hidden?

Hiding or choosing to ignore certain features can sound suspicious. Some may see it as trickery. But that’s not the goal here.

To expand on that idea, let’s revisit the WordPress Site Editor. It’s a design tool intended to make for easier template changes. Thus, it’s not likely to be part of a client’s day-to-day workflow.

You might still mention that the feature exists. And you could even give a quick summary of its purpose. In that case, a friendly warning about the potential dangers should also be offered. But a deep dive into how it works is probably not necessary.

In my experience, clients tend to be focused on their to-do lists. Website tasks are often only a part of their responsibilities. Therefore, the more efficient we can be in training, the better it is for all parties.

And this doesn’t preclude us from exploring features later. As a client evolves, there could be an opportunity to dig into something you previously ignored. But initially, the features covered should be based on need.

Clients Don’t Need To Know It All

When you think about it, most of us buy products without understanding their every facet. Cars, mobile devices, and all manner of appliances come to mind.

The ability to operate these items is what matters. Do we need to know exactly how our microwave oven heats a meal? It may make for great party conversation. However, knowing how to use it is probably more important.

Websites are no different. We build them to suit our client’s needs. And we help them learn what they need to know to achieve their goals.

The most relevant information, therefore, is the best use of everyone’s time. Everything else is secondary.

The post Do Clients Need To Know How Their Website Works? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

We spend a lot of time discussing the topic and sharpening our skills. But we can’t do it alone. Our clients must buy in as well. They’ll need to understand the benefits of accessibility and why it’s important. Not to mention what they could lose by ignoring the issue.

With that, we’ve put together a guide with ways clients can help. Let’s get started!

Embrace Simple Form and Function

It’s hard to blame anyone for wanting complex design and functionality features. Common additions like special effects, animation, and JavaScript UIs are compelling. But they’re not always accessible.

Avoiding these bells and whistles isn’t easy. Both designers and clients tend to like shiny things. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. However, it pays to proceed with caution.

Education is part of what designers do. And accessibility is an area where we have expertise. Therefore, we should share what we know with clients.

Among the biggest takeaways: a website should not sacrifice usability for the sake of aesthetics. Ideally, a balance can be achieved. And simplicity is the way to get there.

But simplicity doesn’t have to be boring. Rather, it’s about ensuring that the basics are covered.

In practice, this means text that is easy to read. A color palette that provides acceptable contrast ratios. And the site should be navigable by keyboard.

Once those items are established, other goodies can be added. So long as they don’t make the website harder to use.

Providing Accessible Content

Guiding your clients toward accessibility is only the first step. Once they buy into the concept, the real work begins.

One challenge is obtaining content in accessible formats. The importance of this is often overlooked. Even if the website’s layout is accessible, that doesn’t guarantee the content will be.

Accessible content includes:

Easy-To-Understand Text

Text content should be simple and to the point. For consumer-oriented and business-to-business websites, the simpler, the better. The main idea is that visitors shouldn’t need a college degree to comprehend a site’s content.

If a client provides long and complicated text, we should work with them to simplify.

Accessible File Formats

Websites are more than text and images. Formats such as PDFs and Word documents are also common.

It’s debatable whether these formats are even necessary. A PDF file full of text could just as well be converted into HTML. However, there are items like printable forms where a downloadable format makes sense.

All documents should have accessibility features enabled. For example, clients may send you files that were scanned. That can be problematic, as they don’t include selectable text. The result is that they won’t be read by screen readers. Plus, they may not be legible.

The ideal solution is to ask your client to track down the original, non-scanned version of the file. This would allow it to be converted to, say, a PDF while keeping the content accessible. Otherwise, it may be a matter of using OCR to detect the document’s text.

Develop Processes To Ensure Accessibility

Keeping a website accessible requires developing good habits. For clients who will be maintaining their site, they’ll need to create a process. This is an area where designers can help.

While focusing on accessible content (as outlined above) is important, there are other aspects to discuss. Alt attributes on images, for example, can easily get lost in the shuffle. They must be added to a client’s workflow to become a habit.

Meanwhile, designers tend to cringe when clients make changes to typography. Nobody wants to see their carefully-crafted type settings disrupted. However, avoiding the topic is not a solid plan.

It’s better to assume that some typographic elements will be changed down the line. Knowing this, clients should understand the rules of the road. Fonts should be readable, with acceptable sizing and color contrast.

There are also potential downsides when installing plugins. On platforms such as WordPress, there’s a temptation to hit that “Install” button to see what a plugin can do. But some items might negatively impact accessibility – not to mention the website itself.

There are other ways to help encourage accessible habits. For one, providing an accessibility checklist is recommended. It offers clients a handy reference that they can go back to again and again.

Engaged Clients Can Make a Difference

The use of accessible design and development techniques is paramount. Still, it’s also important to think about the role a client can play. Their contributions can make a difference in just how accessible their website is.

In the end, it’s about sharing knowledge. When people know better, they tend to do better.

So, take the time to educate clients on best practices. This will empower them to make better decisions regarding accessibility.

The post How to Educate Your Clients About the Importance of Website Accessibility appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.